Bitcoin’s energy usage is huge – we can't afford to ignore it(theguardian.com)
theguardian.com
Bitcoin’s energy usage is huge – we can't afford to ignore it
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jan/17/bitcoin-electricity-usage-huge-climate-cryptocurrency?CMP=share_btn_tw
3 comments
In Newport, Washington, electricity is so inexpensive ($0.05/kWh) that almost everyone uses electric baseboard heat - and it gets very cold (10 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter. Those baseboard heaters could be swapped out with bitcoin miners with NO change in power consumption, and there are plenty of other places around the world with similar conditions.
If I remember correctly, some areas already have a fair amount of power infrastructure that is currently dedicated just to mining. I hope that the power providers in those areas have enough guarantees (with insurance, bonds, etc. backing it up) to ensure that the miners don't just walk away when the price gets too low.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16173345